A resolution to end the domestic trade in ivory has descended into acrimony at a major conservation summit, with a handful of countries, including Japan and South Africa, objecting to the proposed ban. However, delegates from Japan, Namibia and South Africa argued that domestic ivory markets should be left open as long as they are regulated. The ivory trade isn’t just a disaster for elephants. The overwhelming majority of the earlier contact group wanted to close domestic ivory markets.”Danny Auron, campaign director at Avaaz, similarly expressed frustration. A separate IUCN motion to protect 30% of the world’s oceans was agreed with little dispute.

Source: The Guardian September 10, 2016 17:03 UTC